Fresno Frugalista

Teppan-Yaki Lunch Special at Edo Ya

2012-02-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

Edo Ya is a local Teppan-Yaki restaurant located on Shaw and Marks on the northwest corner in Fresno. The best part about this place, besides fantastic food, is the lunch special! If you are looking to eat well, but on a budget, Edo Ya is the place to go. You don't get the same volcano chopping show you would in the evening, but for $9.95-$10.95 a plate, who needs stacked onion slices and some flames. This will probably be my Valentine's Day restaurant of choice this year. Click HERE to view the lunch menu.

Edo Ya Tokyo Cuisine
3050 West Shaw Ave #112
Fresno CA 93711

(559) 275-7535

Need a Babysitter? Try Drop in Daycare.

2012-02-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Drop-in Daycare is a way of getting a few hours to yourself without having to arrange a babysitter. You can simply show up and drop your kid/s off for an hourly rate and they get to play while you run errands, shop, or de-stress. Notice many are open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.
This time of year Valentine's Day is surely on your mind.

Kidspark offers drop-in daycare for children 2-12 years old for a rate of $7.50 an hour, $4.50 for a sibling, and $3.00 for any additional siblings. They have additional events and offers a preschool from 9:30-11:30 on weekdays.

They are open
M-Th from 8am to 10pm.
F 8am-Midnight
Sat 10am-Midnight
Sun 1pm-6pm

Located at:
8485 N. Fresno St.
In River Park at Fresno and Friant
Fresno, CA 93720
559-447-KIDS (5437)

According to their website: There is a $25.00 Family Registration Fee. Your registration stays active if you visit one time within 12 months of your registration date. Meals can be purchased or brought with you. Meals are provided Monday-Saturday. Lunch is at noon and dinner at 6pm. Sunday no meal service. Complimentary snacks of crackers with 100% apple juice are served at 10am, 3pm and 8pm. As a licensed childcare center (License #103808519,103808520), there are no limitations in the number of hours your children can stay and play! Visits are calculated to the minute after the first 30 minutes. Staff has CPR/First Aid, Early Childhood Education college units and background clearances.
KidsPark is closed the following holidays: New Year's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas

KidsPark closes at 6pm on Halloween, Thanksgiving Eve and 4pm on Christmas Eve. KidsPark Fresno will be closing at 8pm on New Year's Eve.

As always I am not in any way compensated for my blog posts.

2012-02-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

Pinterest is a digital "pin board" where you can take websites, or blog posts, pictures, or recipes, basically anything with a url and put them into categories to be shared with friends and family(or everyone). This is a way to visually organize your "bookmarks" so that they can be easily accessed and remembered. Crafts, hairstyles, recipes, quotes, and photos seem to be very popular, however its a varied as your heart desires. You can also connect it to your facebook, so you have one less login. You do need an invitation to join, but its free you usually won't have to wait long (a week or two). So if you've been wondering what it is all about, check out the best of Pinterest HERE, and say to yourself, how pinteresting!

Full o' Bull February 25th Event .38, Soda .38; $3.80 Sub

2012-02-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

Full o' Bull is celebrating it's 38th Anniversary in Old Town Clovis with
38 cent sodas, 38 cent chips, and $3.80 subs (limit 2) from 10am-3pm or until 900 subs are sold! I love the hot pastrami, yumm...

$4 for $25 towards Valentine's Day Dinner with Restaurant.com Ends Feb 9th

2012-02-07T20:14:00.001-08:00

Spend $4 and get a voucher for $25 towards (Valentine's) dinner at your favorite participating restaurant with Restaurant.com. Use the code DATENIGHT at the check out. You need to be able to print your coupon and you can use it immediately. Click HERE to check out participating restaurants in your area. Remember that a minimum purchase is required to use the coupon. Most restaurants required a $35 purchase for the $25 off and charge 18% gratuity. So your lowest possible price would be $16.30. Not bad for two diners! Keep in mind these deals are per table as well, so if you are going out with friends they will be on your ticket as well. This deal ends February 9th.

Fresno "City Singers" Serenades for Valentine's Day!

2012-02-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

Support the Fresno City College "City Singers" and hire them to sing for your loved one this Valentine's Day. Unique and traditional at the same time, these singers are surely never to be forgotten! Contact julie.dana@fresnocitycollege.edu for more information.

Read more here: http://calendar.fresnobee.com/fresno-ca/events/show/241662964-city-singer-singing-valentines#storylink=cpy

6 Hungry Bear Personalized Valentine's Day Cookies $6.99

2012-02-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Living Social together with Hungry Bear Cookies is offering a half dozen personalized Valentine's Day cookies for $6.99 (a $14.34 value). Ends February 5th at 11:59pm. Five per order allowed. Click HERE.

Sees Candy $3 off $30 Coupon

2012-02-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Sees rarely provides coupons so I was excited when I saw this one. For Valentine's Day Sees Candy is offering an online coupon for $3 off a $30 purchase. Click HERE. Ends February 6, 2012.

The Milan Institute Deals Through February 29, 2012

2012-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine is a student at the Milan Institute and she posted these deals on facebook. She needs 40 referrals by the time she graduates so please let the front desk person know KATRINA COOK sent you. :)

If you bring a friend (that has not been to Milan before) she will give you a 50% off Coupon! Your discount services train the cosmetic professionals of tomorrow! (Don't worry their work is all supervised.)

Indulge in some decadent pampering this season at the Milan Institute Student Salon and Spa. Enjoy a well-deserved massage or beauty service for yourself. Or bring in that special someone for the holidays.

Services:
$4.99 Happy Hour Haircut Mon-Thurs 4-7pm
$14.99 Makeup Application & Hairstyle Mon-Thurs
$24.99 Calming Facial Wed-Fri
$24.99 50-Minute Hot Stone Massage Tues-Fri
Products:
50% Off All Rusk Products
30% Off All Bioelements Cleansers & Makeup Removers
Birthday Perks:
FREE Haircut or Basic Manicure*
50% Off Any Massage*
Senior Perks:
$5.00 Off Any Massage Mon-Wed+
20% Off All Salon Services Mon-Wed+
Military Perk: 20% Off All Salon Services Mon-Wed+

*Valid during birthday week only; must present photo ID for verification.
+Must present military ID or photo ID for verification.
Expires 2/29/12.
Can not be combined w/ any other discount.
All restrictions apply. Instructor supervised student salon and spa.

On Going Deals Include:

Children's haircuts $5. Adults $7

Color Cut and Style $30

Spa Day Cut, Style, Deep Conditioner, Basic Facial, Basic Pedicure and Manicure $50

The Milan Institute is located at 731 W Shaw Ave Clovis CA 93612 (Willow is the cross street)

Call 323-2800 to make an appointment.

M-Th 10:30am-9:30pm

F 8:30am-9:30pm Sat 8:30am-6pm.

Free or Low Cost Dental Work

2012-01-31T16:24:00.000-08:00

Fresno has a couple dental hygiene and dental assisting programs that provide a service to the public. In order to train their students, these programs need volunteers to work on. This way, if you are willing, you can receive free cleanings, sealants, or x-rays under proper supervision, although some services include low cost fees (the rumor is $21 for x-rays and $15 for a cleaning at Fresno City College).
Fresno City College will forward your x-rays to your personal dentist, so this is one way to lower your costs if you don't have insurance. The Care Credit Program is a way to participate in a payment program of six months to a year without interest, or with interest for 24 months to 60 months. Medi-cal offers dental for children that qualify 17 years old and younger. Healthy Families has limited dental as well.

Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Program

San Joaquin Valley College Dental Hygiene Program

Care Credit Program
Call 800 365 8295 for more information.

Clinic at Poverello House - Fresno

(559) 498-6988

Free Medical and Dental Clinic Medical: Monday - Friday 12:45 PM until the last patient is seen or 5 PM. (Tickets are given to all those in line at 11:00 AM from the Contact Office) Dental: Varies monthly (Tickets are given to those in line at 6:45 AM) For more information contact Cecilia Lomeli (559) 442-4108.

San Joaquin Fish Hatchery

2012-01-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

The San Joaquin Fish Hatchery is located in Friant, California.
It is open every day, from
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM and the San Joaquin Hatchery office is open
Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
Bring some change (admission is free) so you can feed the Rainbow Trout and see the different stages of their development. It's fun to take the kids and walk around. This facility is also near the San Joaquin River Parkway.

East of Highway 41 at Friant. From Friant Road, turn west onto Flemming Road, follow into hatchery. Located one mile below Lake Millerton Dam, about 12 miles north of Fresno.

17372 Brook Trout Drive
Friant, CA 93626

(559) 822-2374

$10 for $20 worth of merchadise with The Body Shop

2012-01-25T19:59:00.000-08:00

Living Social together with The Body Shop, is offering a $10 for a $20 voucher for in store merchandise. One per person, three gifts allowed. Voucher expires on April 14, 2012, however the $10 you spent will not expire. Two days left to buy the deal. Click HERE.

$5 for $10 worth of Dessert at Marble Slab!

2012-01-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

Marble Slab together with Groupon is offering either

One Dozen Ice-Cream Cupcakes or Mini Waffle Sundaes or

$10 worth of dessert from the Marble Slab for $5.

The coupon expires August 1st so this could be a Valentine's Day treat or an anytime treat! Remember it must all be spent at once. One per person, however two may be purchased as gifts. This awesome deal ends tomorrow at 11:59pm.

Click HERE for the deal.

San Joaquin River Parkway: Models of Animal Homes for Preschoolers

2012-01-23T20:15:00.000-08:00

The San Joaquin River Parkway Center presents The Hidden Homes Trail. Specifically designed for preschoolers to walk inside a mouse house, climb inside a cocoon, and get into an eagle's nest. Signs accompany these hands on displays to help you learn about the animals in our area. The Coke Hallowell House is at the same location and very interesting to walk through. Free admission.
The center is open Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm. and Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm.
The San Joaquin River Parkway Center is located at
11605 Old Friant Rd
Fresno, CA 93730
For more information call 559-248-8480

How to Retire Your Vehicle in Fresno

2012-01-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

The State of California together with the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) has a program to reduce emissions by encouraging people to retire their older vehicles. There are certain requirements you must meet to receive $1000 or $1500 (for low income applicants) to retire your vehicle.
If you want to retire your older vehicle you need to do the following.
1. Read through the requirements and fill out this Customer Assistance Program application.
If you are applying for the low income qualification, you need to show proof of income through paystubs, tax return, etc. The paperwork is really easy.

2.You can mail the form, but a response will take about 8-10 weeks or you can fax it from the Bureau of Automotive Repair office at 4152 W. Swift Ave., Suite 104 Fresno off of Golden State Bld. north of Ashlan near 99. and it will take 7-10 days.

3. You will receive a letter of approval in the mail which you need to take to Pick and Pull off of Jensen east 41 along with the title of your vehicle (pink slip), registration, and driver's license.

4. Your vehicle must be able to drive to Pick and Pull under its own power, and don't forget to arrange a ride home.

Read the application for more information.
Hope this helps!
This was a great deal for us since Sammy's truck was not going to sell for $1500 and now we can invest that money into a newer vehicle.

Plastic Jungle: Buy, Trade, and Sell Gift Cards Online

2012-01-14T22:26:00.000-08:00

Plastic Jungle is a website on which you can sell your gift cards for cash or purchase them at a discount. You can even exchange cards. Check it out HERE. If you have any unwanted Christmas gift cards, now's your chance to make use of them. On the main page you can scroll down to read the Q&A to see how it all works.

PBS Kids Online

2012-01-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

PBSkids.org is running a ten day promotion for the award winning premium content that is gamed based and focuses on math, literacy, and more for preschool readiness. Of course the site offers videos and games like Nick Jr and Disney Junior.

How to Write a SAT Essay Thesis

2012-01-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

This quote is part of one of the SAT prompts I work with:

“Don't flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates. The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become. Except in cases of necessity, which are rare, leave your friend to learn unpleasant things from his enemies; they are ready enough to tell them.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Should we always be honest with our friends? Plan your response, and then write an essay to explain your views on this issue. Be sure to support your position with specific points and examples. (You may use personal examples or examples from your reading, observations, or, knowledge of subjects such as history, literature, science.)

First, know what the test-maker is asking of you:
What is your point of view? The essay is designed as a persuasive essay. You know the test-maker wants a classic Introduction-Body-Conclusion essay, but how do you pull this off in 25 minutes? How can you possibly come up with something substantial and brilliant while timed?

Let's look at what you have to work with.
You have the quote to assist you with ideas- use this to your advantage. You can always take a piece of the quote and restate it in your essay along with your opinion, and whether you agree or disagree to get you started. Your introduction should include the topic, your opinion, and a thesis. You should also make a statement to get the reader involved.

Now the Three Point Thesis.
Many AP (advanced placement) students fall into the trap of "biting off more than they can chew." These students are familiar with prompts and essay writing, but under a time limit of 45 minutes with prompt relating to literature or topics they are prepared for (hopefully). The SAT reader is less interested in your creativity and more interested in the fact of whether you know how to write or not. You only have 25 minutes. They are looking for clear and concise writing. For a structured essay. For clarity. Is your grammar clean? Does the essay flow and have natural transitions?
A sure way to ensure that you provide a well structured and clear cohesive essay is to use a Three Point Thesis. I learned this in Speech class of all places.

The last sentence of your essay introduction is an easy place to put your thesis and it naturally transitions into the first body paragraph. State your thesis with a list of three points.

"Honesty between friends in important but should be treated with tact, courtesy, and love."

My first body paragraph will follow and start with a topic sentence about tact. Then will be supported by facts and reasoning.

Tact between friends ensures that the friendship will be lasting.

The second body paragraph will be about courtesy.

Courtesy between friends ensures that the friendship will be healthy.

The third body paragraph will be about love and begin with a counterargument.

Some people will argue that honesty displays love between friends, and that is true; however, pointing out short comings and daily faults is discouraging and harmful over time.

Final paragraph is your conclusion.

Hope this is helpful. As a teacher at Huntington Learning Center, I have seen dramatic improvement in student's writing styles with this advice alone. This is my personal advice, and builds upon Huntington Learning Center's teachings which has more to offer. There is not one perfect formula for the SAT essay.
If you are interested in Huntington Learning Center's excellent SAT/ACT Prep program with personalized programs tailored to each student you can contact Huntington Learning Center of Fresno HERE or call (559) 434-2028 for more information.
Mention Sarah or Fresno Frugalista for a $100 Discount off an actual SAT testing and evaluation which normally costs $195.

Bobby Salazar's $10 for $20 worth of Food and Drinks!

2012-01-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

Bobby Salazar's together with Living Social is offering a voucher that costs $10 for $20 worth of food and drinks! Yum. Support these local family restaurants and enjoy yourself doing it! Pair it with the Fresno Monster's $8.50 for two tickets deal from Fresno Dealsaver and you have a date! Eat at the Tower Bobby Salazar's then head over to the Selland Area for the game. Click HERE for Bobby Salazar's and HERE for the Fresno Monster's hockey tickets. Both deals are available all month!

Knitting Guild Meeting Tomorrow 9:30-12pm

2012-01-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Sheeper Than Therapy Knitting Guild meets the first Saturday of every month from 9:30-12pm at the ARC Fresno Enrichment Center at 4567 N Marty Ave, Fresno CA 93722. I'll have to plan for it next month! I want to knit personalized stockings for the kids by next Christmas.
Call ARC for more information: (559) 226-6268. This information was found on Plan It Fresno.

Read more here: http://calendar.fresnobee.com/fresno-ca/events/show/229552304-sheeper-than-therapy-knitting-guild#storylink=cpy

Meet Paula Poundstone and Raise Funds for the Fresno County Public Library System

2012-01-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

At 8pm on Friday January 27, 2012, Paula Poundstone panelist on Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, comedian and author will be at the Tower Theatre. Friends of the Public Library will be selling her latest book There's Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say and cds at the show and Paula will be signing books, all sales from the merchandise will benefit the library. For tickets call 485-9050.

Manchester Center Farmer's Market

2012-01-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

Manchester Center Farmer's Market takes place every Friday year around from 10am until dusk. I have yet to be to this one, but I am always excited to hear about ways in which the community can support local farmers. Eating healthy and saving money comes with eating what produce is in season. Regions vary, but the right side of my blog has a seasonal produce list you can check that I keep updated.
For more information call Manny Yanez: (559) 260-2915

Free Custom Internet Radio: Pandora

2012-01-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

Pandora is a free internet radio station that allows you to customize your listening experience. Right now I am listening to "Justin Roberts (Children's) Radio Station." He's a children's rock singer. Love it. My husband has a "Justin Timberlake Radio Station." You can further customize your station by giving "thumbs down" or "thumbs up" to songs, which means they will be played less or more often. You can even skip songs, although this feature only allows so many "skips" per hour. If you enjoy certain artists that are unlikely to be played together, you can "add variety" to stations as well. I think I have a "Credence Clearwater Rival Station" that is combined with Jack Johnson and of course you can create genre based stations. There is limited advertising, but that's the only real downside. Check out Pandora and create an account today!

Family Friendly New Year's Eve at John's Incredible Pizza Co

2011-12-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

Starting at 4pm until 1am, for $10 a person enjoy unlimited food and fun at John’s Incredible Pizza Co, on Herndon and Cedar, and ring in the New Year with your family. You can watch the ball drop on the big screen, enjoy the all you can eat buffet with pizza, salad, soup and more! All you can drink beverages including sodas, ICEE, iced tea, and more! With video games and attractions stay warm with your family until the New Year comes!

Free Ride from Tipsy Tow New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

If tonight becomes too much fun for you, call Tipsy Tow who is offering free tows (and rides in the tow truck) to your home. Call 1 800 222 4357 for more details- or if you need a ride tonight. Deal runs from 6pm to 6am. Start the New Year right. Save lives.
Thanks Fresno Couponing.